Zoo: Where To?

June 24, 1987

WHETHER members of the board of the Central Florida Zoological Society should be blamed for dropping Al Rozon, zoo executive director, is beside the point. Action was taken, rightly or wrongly, and is now a fact.

Where does the zoo go from here? If Orange County residents are so concerned about the zoo, why did they vote down the referendum that would have enabled it to relocate? Instead, the vote last November condemned the zoo animals to an existence in a space carved out of a swamp that is too small to provide adequate space for the animals, resulting in outdated cages for aging animals exposed to diseases aggravated by the dampness.

It is necessary to have at the head of a zoo organization people skilled in exotic animal husbandry, education, research, habitat design, business administration and finance. Above all, experienced animal caretakers are needed with skills in keeping records, nutrition and animal behavior.

One only has to look at the Audubon Park and Zoological Gardens in New Orleans to see what can be done with public support. That zoo was rated one of the worst in the country only about 10 years ago. Today, thanks to the citizens of New Orleans, it is one of the best. Animals are displayed in grassy areas with trees and running water. There are no bars on cages. Educational and behavioral research programs are in place.

It is necessary to have at the head of a zoo organization people skilled in exotic animal husbandary, education, research, habitat design, business administration and finance. Above all, experienced animal caretakers are needed with skills in keeping records, nutrition and animal behavior.

One only has to look at the Audubon Park and Zoological Gardens in New Orleans to see what can be done with public support. That zoo was rated one of the worst in the country only about 10 years ago. Today, thanks to the citizens of New Orleans, it is one of the best. Animals are displayed in grassy areas with trees and running water. There are no bars on cages. Educational and behaviorial research programs are in place.

New Orleans is justifiably proud of its zoo. Let us also create a zoo that we can be proud of. Central Florida deserves the best.